Below are several education policy documents that will assist you in creating educational standards for your institution and programs. These guidelines were developed to create consistent quality standards for zoo and aquarium educational programs.
Association of Zoos and Aquarium’s Conservation Education Committee’s Program Animal Position Policy
The Association of Zoos & Aquariums (AZA) recognizes many benefits for public education and ultimately, for conservation in program animal presentations
Regional, National and Institutional Education Guidelines
Australasian Regional Association of Zoological Parks and Aquaria Education Policy
This policy has been developed by the Australasian Regional Association of Zoological Parks and Aquaria (ARAZPA) Education Advisory Group to provide a coordinated approach to education in ARAZPA organizations. It offers leadership in the formulation of principles, guidelines and minimum standards for education for the many different sectors involved in zoos, parks and aquariums.
European Zoo and Aquarium Association Education Standards
This EAZA document describes how to write an education mission statement that clarifies the education role of the zoo: The concept of zoo education is broader than a programme for schools and should be targeted at the entire zoo visitation. This should be consistent with the World Zoo Conservation Strategy.’
Master Education Plan for Zoos of India
The Centre for Environment Education (CEE) in collaboration with the Central Zoo Authority (CZA) has developed the Master Education Plan for Zoos of India. This document’s aim is to strengthen the education programs and facilities in Indian zoos and covers all aspects of a zoo visit, including graphics, special events, education presentations and evaluation.
North American Association of Environmental Educators’ Environmental Education Materials: Guidelines for Excellence
Published in November 1996 (revised 2004) by NAAEE, Environmental Education Materials: Guidelines for Excellence provides a set of recommendations for developing and selecting environmental education materials. These guidelines aim to help developers of activity guides, lesson plans, and other instructional materials produce high quality products, and to provide educators with a tool to evaluate the wide array of available environmental education materials.
Standards in Museum Education
The role of this living document is to help guide and inform the practice of museum education. It is intended to be used by museum educators, exhibit developers, curators, directors, board members, peer reviewers, and others, both inside and outside the museum field, interested in informal education and teaching with objects in museum settings.